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Fish Guide |  |
Family: Serranidae (Anthias, Groupers)
Natural Range: Red Sea, Pacific Ocean
Depth: 7 to 130 ft. Size: 4.5 in. Jumps: No Space: 55+ gal.
Reef Safe: Yes Care Level: Moderate Temperament: Aggressive
Diet: Large zooplankton, small zooplankton, and some planktonic algae
Natural History: The Lyretail Anthias is found in shoals on clear lagoon pinnacles and on reef faces. Some shoals may number over 1000 individuals, nearly all juveniles or females. They swim above coral heads and off reef faces feeding on plankton.
Husbandry: Lyretail Anthias is best kept solitary. Males are more aggressive than females. They are aggressive feeders and generally readily accept frozen shrimp preparations.
Reproduction: Reproduction in this species is well documented, occurring during the cooler months where it is found. Males perform courtship behaviors for receptive females and eggs are released into the water. Females may undergo sex change and become males in less than 3 weeks, attaining full color changes in several months.
AKA: Scalefin Anthias, Jewel Anthias